Published in the July 24, 2015 edition
MELROSE — Paul P. Ryan, 68, of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, July 17.
Paul was born in Stoneham on Sept. 9, 1946, one of two children of the late Phillip and Priscilla M. (Kittredge) Ryan. He graduated from Melrose High School and Boston University where he received his Finance degree and rowed crew.
Upon joining the workforce, he met his future wife, Margaret “Mikki” McCormack and they married after just nine months of dating. They returned home to Melrose where they settled and raised a son, Jamie, and a daughter, Tristan.
Paul enjoyed his 30 years at Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers, retiring as chief information officer and vice president. Paul lived a positive life filled with love for his family, a welcoming home to any and all and endless enthusiasm for his varied interests.
Paul was passionate about several interests that kept him busy when not working. He loved golfing, boating, woodworking and animals. An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of Bellevue Golf Club, served as club president, and was senior club champion. Boating held a special place in his heart, and he passed this onto his children. He was always ready for a boat ride aboard Sweet Adeline and insisted on bringing his family to every Boat Show within driving distance and some that were not. For many years, he enjoyed boating near the family cottage in Point Judith, R.I. and later at the Watertown Yacht Club for trips up and down the Charles River. His other interests included gardening, woodworking, tinkering with gadgets, soaking in the hot tub, Brigham’s mocha almond ice cream and keeping people guessing with his choice in clothing.
Due to his ever present positive nature, Paul was asked to join the Patient Survivor Board at MGH. He also served on the Board of Directors at NOREX, Inc. in Minnesota. Paul was loyal friend who always saw the good side of things. Every year he looked forward to taking students from the Perkins School for the Blind on a boat ride on the Charles River. He was always optimistic, forever honest and had a big heart.
Through his innate kindness and open arms, Paul offered help to anyone whether a friend, family member, stranger or animal. He welcomed everyone into the Ryan home for a short or long stay, regardless of who they were. He adopted several stray animals and had a soft spot for any dog in need of a home.
Paul was happiest with his family no matter what the activity. If it meant being with his family, Paul was content. He loved barbecuing in the backyard, family dinners on Sunday, working on cars with Jamie or swimming in the pool with his grandson, Mac. He valued family time above everything else and was always there to offer positive reinforcement or honest advice. Paul Ryan was a family man and they will carry his loving nature and positive attitude with them the rest of their lives.
Paul was the loving husband of Margaret M. “Mikki” Ryan with whom he shared 41 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Jamie P. Ryan and his wife Brianne of Medford and Tristan M. Ryan of Saugus. He was the dear brother of Deborah R. Brennan and her husband Thomas of Melrose. He was the proud grandfather of Cormac Ryan. He was the caring uncle of Thomas Brennan, Ryan Brennan and Emily Brennan.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Paul’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, July 21, from 4 to 8 p.m., and again on Wednesday at 8 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose, for his funeral Mass celebrated at 9 a.m. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
For online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
